14 Apr 2009

Tennis champion Nick Taylor called me on Monday. He had managed to make time in his tournament schedule for a fishing trip this afternoon. I had the pleasure of fishing with Nick last year, what an inspiring guy. For those of you who haven't heard of him, check out the report for our last trip, and be sure to watch the linked video here.

We immediately headed for the Pass and anchored up along the jetties. Nick struck first, boating a nice Sheepshead. A few casts later his reel starts screaming! This had to be the Redfish Nick was after. Once he initial run was over Nick began to gain line then the fish turned it around on him and dove under the boat. This move forced us to get off of the anchor and drift down-current with the fish steadily headed for the Gulf.

The fight lasted about 20 minutes, Nick working for every inch of line he could get, only to have it torn off the spool on yet another run. It was a close race, but the fish gave up before Nick did. Nicks prized Redfish was 28 3/4" long, his biggest fish to date! Awesome job Nick, congratulations.





While all this was happening, Bill, Nick's dad, hooks up with a nice fish. As it neared the surface in the off colored water my first thought was Flounder. Bill got it closer and closer and my "Flounder" mysteriously transformed into a Stingray, the oddball catch of the afternoon.



We relocated, got settled and hooked four Redfish, back to back. And back to back the all came unhooked. Lousy luck. The fifth fish was evidently less lucky than we were and Bill was on with another Bull Redfish. We got the fish boat-side just as the light was falling. As the fish swam away we headed back to the ramp. Nick had an even bigger day ahead of himself on Wednesday at the tournament.

Thanks again Nick and Bill, it was a pleasure fishing with you guys again. I hope next years schedule works out as well!